A lightning strike on May 19 at Tiger Shark Waterpark damaged three water pumps leading to an estimated $45,000 to $65,000 in repairs.

Parks Director Kristy Rich on May 26 addressed St. James City Council about the status of the pool. McNew Electric on May 20 came to investigate the pumps. 

“I’ll quote them saying ‘Whatever hit it, hit it hard,” said Rich.

There was a fan on one of the pumps that melted during the lightning strike.

Rich said she did not have a time frame of when the pool would be able to open for the season. She said once she has more information she will meet with the city administrator and mayor about whether or not to open the park.

Ward 2 Councilman Bill Dunkus asked about the city’s insurance to cover repairs. Krawiecki said that they have filed a claim to MIRMA about the situation. 

“We have a council meeting in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we’ll know by then (how) the time frame is,” said Krawiecki. “If it takes until July to get it fixed, is it worth opening the pool for a five- or six-week period? So it’s (just) a lot of questions out there that we don’t have the answers to right now.”

Rich said the pumps at the water park are similar to the ones at SplashZone Waterpark in Rolla. Rich said SplashZone had a fire at their pump house last year and McNew Electric did the electrician work to repair the pumps. 

“That’s something no one wanted to hear about. Some of our other communities have got the same pool problems (and) are not opening for whatever various reasons,” said Krawiecki.

The parks department said it does not know whether the pool will be closed for two weeks, a month, or if it will be shut down for the entire summer.

Rich shared an update to Tiger Shark Water Park patrons about the damages the park suffered.

“This is devastating for our staff, as we were prepared and excited to open for our 16th season. My heart hurts for our pool staff, many of whom were counting on this as their summer job and may not get the opportunity to work this season,” wrote Rich.